WTCC Okayama - Qualifying : They said...

Andy PRIAULX – pole position: “I have to thank Augusto for slipstreaming me and give a big well done to BMW and all my team. Qualifying has always been our weak spot but we are strong today so I hope we can carry the momentum forward into tomorrow. It is what we needed as we could potentially win or lose the championship this weekend. There is a lot of work still to do but we can be strong at the end of the races.”

Augusto FARFUS – qualified second: “I’m not disappointed. We had a target to put BMW on the front row and Andy is fighting for the championship so we wanted him at the front and we have achieved this with great team work. Tomorrow I hope for a good race and to fight for a podium. We have changed gearbox this weekend but it was BMWs decision and I think it was the right one. I think this track suits our car anyway though and we have done a good job here with the 5-speed gearbox in the past.”

Rob HUFF – qualified third: “The team did a great job and we have kept good pace all weekend. I am very pleased with qualifying and with our race pace for tomorrow. I’m in a position in the championship where I have got nothing to lose so I can just go out and drive. It’s going to be interesting but a tough day tomorrow.”

Norbert MICHELISZ – best Rookie, P5: “I always aim to be the fastest SEAT driver as well as the best rookie and I am both today. I’m not in good shape as I have a little bit of a fever so it was difficult to concentrate. I am very pleased today; it is always a pleasure to beat people like Gabriele (Tarquini), Tiago (Monteiro) and Tom (Coronel).”

Franz ENGSTLER – best Independent, P10: “Q1 was really good and I want to thank the team as they did a great job. In Q2 we had problems as we only had used tyres so I couldn’t do the same lap time. Eighth in Race 1 would be a dream but we will see tomorrow.”